The 15th Franco-Moroccan High-Level Meeting (RHN) marks a significant milestone in bilateral relations, reviving the annual dialogue after a three-year pause. The gathering, first established in 1997, follows the last session held in Paris in December 2019 and reflects the renewed momentum in Franco-Moroccan ties under a “strengthened exceptional partnership” agreed upon in October 2024.

The two-day program kicks off with bilateral discussions between the French and Moroccan Prime Ministers, followed by sector-specific meetings involving cabinet members from both nations. These sessions aim to assess progress on existing collaborations and chart new priorities for the years ahead.

The highlight of the event will be the plenary session, co-chaired by both heads of government. Ministers will present outcomes from their bilateral exchanges and outline shared strategic goals. The meeting will conclude with a joint press conference and the signing of multiple cooperation agreements.

French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu will be joined by a 13-member delegation, including key ministers such as Laurent Nunez (Interior), Catherine Vautrin (Defense and Veterans Affairs), and Roland Lescure (Economy and Finance). The delegation also features senior parliamentary figures like Senator Christian Cambon, chair of the France-Morocco friendship group in the Senate, and Deputy Karim Ben Cheikh.

Beyond the RHN proceedings, the French delegation will pay respects at the Mohammed V Mausoleum, honoring the architects of modern Morocco.

15 agreements to deepen strategic cooperation

Nearly 15 binding agreements are expected to be signed across critical areas, including regional rail development with plans for a new Rabat express regional network (RER), sustainable water management, and urban development in the Casablanca-Settat region. The aviation, cultural, and education sectors will also see new initiatives.

Energy cooperation takes center stage, with discussions on potential electric interconnection projects between Morocco and France. This aligns with the strategic energy partnership forged during French President Emmanuel Macron’s state visit to Morocco in October 2024, focusing on connectivity and green transition.

Defense collaboration will focus on strengthening arms procurement dialogue and exploring new industrial opportunities. Cultural exchanges will expand through artist residency programs, film and audiovisual partnerships, and a strategic alliance between the Arab World Institute and Morocco’s Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication.

The RHN follows two major diplomatic milestones: President Macron’s state visit to Rabat in October 2024 and the upcoming reciprocal visit by King Mohammed VI to France. The meeting is poised to lay the groundwork for a future bilateral treaty, further solidifying the partnership between the two nations.